Mayes’ Marvels conquer the World Netball Series

27th November 2011

An inspiring performance from England saw them become World Netball Series champions with a 33 – 26 victory over New Zealand. Head Coach Anna Mayes joined in the celebrations as the team jubilantly paraded the trophy and their winners’ medals around the Echo Arena.

England Netball caught up with the delighted coach to get her thoughts on the final, Mayes said “I am really delighted the girls put a solid four quarter performance. 99% of the time they stuck to task, I think it was really evident when they did take their mind off what we set out, so insuring we were patient on the ball and to allow our second and third options to come through, for me that was absolutely key today. “We stepped up when we played our Powerplay, not so early on, but obviously that third quarter is key when we had the first centre pass. I think that both games have been really key with our second quarter performance going into Powerplay.”

With the game so tight in the first half, we asked how the coaches were feeling with growing tension, Mayes responded “A little bit nervous in a little patch when they started throwing ball long or in the first and second (quarters). The game was in their hands and we have been prepared well so I enjoyed the moment!”

The next World Championships are being held in Sydney in 2015 and Mayes believes this win is a great step forward, she said “I think its ensuring we take some of the key principles in terms of patience and control, that’s generally what the teams like Australia do well in terms of consistency and for me it was ensuring we got international exposure to those players as we are at the start of a four year cycle.

“I think we have to make sure we keep stepping forward, we have obviously raised the bar and expectations and the pressure is on us. I think we need to keep in perspective, it is the start of a four year cycle so there are going to be some steps back before we move forward again. It is just insuring we are clear with what our objectives are for each performance area we are in.”